“See the World”: Japanese PhD Graduate Makes a Mark in IIUM

By, Amni Azizan

GOMBAK, 12 December 2025: On this historical day, a Japanese graduand of Doctor of Philosophy in the International Institute for Halal Research and Training (INHART), Sugimoto Kyoichiro, walked on stage to receive his scroll from the Constitutional Head of IIUM, Her Royal Highness Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.

The Phd graduate received his scroll during the first session of the 41st IIUM Convocation Ceremony at the Main Hall of IIUM Cultural Centre (ICC), IIUM Gombak campus on 6 December 2025.

The sweet moment was also witnessed by his wife and second son, who is an undergraduate at IIUM under the Kulliyyah of Information and Communication Technology (KICT).

In an exclusive interview with IIUMToday, Sugimoto said it took him four years to finish his PhD instead of three years and he was in his homeland Japan during the journey.

His research was centred on Halal Matchmaking Services Framework for Muslim Marriage in Japan. 

“Halal industry has wide perspectives. Not only food, beverages, medicine, cosmetics, finance and banking but also family. It’s very challenging to find a halal partner in Japan because we are Muslim minority.” Sugimoto stated the reason why he developed the framework. 

One of his motivators is the teaching of Islam itself in which it encourages seeking knowledge. His supervisor, Associate Professor Dr Betania Kartika Muflih, was also one of his motivators to finish his PhD through weekly online sessions.

Aside from his PhD work, Sugimoto also teaches about Islam to Japanese non-muslims in his home country. 

When asked to share his advice to IIUM students, he said, “Knowledge should be useful not only for yourself, but for society.”

He also added, “Connect with more people, learn from others as much as possible. Then, Insyallah, your study will be beneficial.” ***